1. Build your own cardboard planetarium: A DIY experience for students.
- Author
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de Abreu Oliveira, Vinicius, Smith, Niall, Chaniotakis, Emmanuel, Doran, Rosa, McCarthy, Frances, Doran, Priscila, and Rojas, Gustavo
- Subjects
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PLANETARIUMS , *SCIENTIFIC knowledge , *DO-it-yourself work , *CARDBOARD , *SCIENCE exhibitions - Abstract
Planetariums are usually known as non-formal learning spaces and an incredible way to communicate astronomical and scientific knowledge. However, this potential increases when we build a planetarium because we add knowledge and fun to the space. In this project, we report on constructing a planetarium for this innovative and stimulating learning environment. Currently, there are several models of planetariums, some simpler and others quite complex; however, they are almost always places of passive interaction. Here, we propose to build a cardboard planetarium, which allows a remarkable application of the STEAM strategy in a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project that can actively involve children from age 12 directly in the construction process. We have designed and built a cardboard planetarium, 4 metres in diameter, with a capacity to host up to 20 children or 10 adults per session. The planetarium is composed of a dome and a base for support; both are constructed from cardboard with different thicknesses due to the individual function of each one. A pilot planetarium was successfully exhibited during a science festival in Portugal. There are plans to build other DIY planetariums in countries across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023